Ethical Issues
Poor excavation practices damaged and occasionally destroyed artifacts . According to Lynott (2003), ethical concerns in archaeology originally were focused on the need to preserve sites from destruction through vandalism, looting, and poor excavation practices.
What sort of ethical issues do archaeologists encounter?
North American archaeologists have long defined their ethical responsi- bilities in terms of a commitment to scientific goals and an opposition to looting, vandalism, the commercial trade in antiquities, and other activi- ties that threaten archaeological resources.
What ethical obligations do archaeologists have and why?
Archaeologists in the field are required to work towards the preservation and management of archaeological resources , treat human remains with dignity and respect, and encourage outreach activities. Sanctions are in place for those professionals who do not observe these ethical codes.
What responsibilities do archaeologists have?
Archaeologists study the origin and evolution of humans . They study the physical evidence of human culture, examining such items as tools, burial sites, buildings, religious icons, pottery, and clothing.
“It is the responsibility of professional archaeologists to communicate with the general public about the nature of archaeological research ... Archaeologists should be sensitive to cultural mores and attitudes, and aware of the impact research and fieldwork may have on a local population, both during and after the work.”
Is it ethical to excavate tombs?
Bound by legal and ethical guidelines, archaeologists must determine when to dig. ... They need enough time and resources to excavate , examine and either rebury the remains, or preserve them in perpetuity — the legal term for forever. Lastly, it’s irresponsible for any one project to dig an entire site or all its burials.
Can Archaeology be justified?
Continued research excavation at famous sites such as Sutton Hoo, as Rahtz notes (1991, 140-41), is justified since it serves avowedly to develop archaeological practice itself ; the physical remains, or shapes in the landscape can be and are restored to their former appearance with the bonus of being better understood, ...
What are archaeologists?
Archaeology is the study of the ancient and recent human past through material remains . Archaeologists might study the million-year-old fossils of our earliest human ancestors in Africa. ... Archaeology analyzes the physical remains of the past in pursuit of a broad and comprehensive understanding of human culture.
What does it mean when something is ethical?
: involving questions of right and wrong behavior : relating to ethics. : following accepted rules of behavior : morally right and good. See the full definition for ethical in the English Language Learners Dictionary. ethical.
Why is public Archaeology important?
Archaeology raises consciousness and awareness , and encourages different ways of seeing the world, thinking about it, and acting in it. The study of it has the potential to explain the contingency of all human endeavour.
What skills do you need for Archaeology?
Archaeologists need excellent research and writing skills —they write more than they dig! They also apply mathematical and statistical concepts in the field and data analysis. Studying foreign languages can also be helpful, as could gaining skills in programming, chemistry, or physics.
How do archeologist get paid?
How Much Does an Archaeologist Make? Archaeologists made a median salary of $63,670 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $81,480 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $49,760.
Is Archaeology a good career?
Archaeology is one of the best courses that you can choose for a bright career in the future . ... Archaeology is the study of the ancient or recent human past through material remains. It is also a sub-discipline of Anthropology, which is the study of all human cultures.
What is the AAA Code of Ethics?
The seven Principles of Professional Responsibility in the AAA Statement on Ethics are: 1) Do No Harm ; 2) Be Open and Honest Regarding Your Work; 3) Obtain Informed Consent and Necessary Permissions; 4) Weigh Competing Ethical Obligations Due Collaborators and Affected Parties; 5) Make Your Results Accessible; 6) ...
Why ethics is also called moral philosophy?
Ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and society and is also described as moral philosophy. The term is derived from the Greek word ethos which can mean custom, habit, character or disposition. Ethics covers the following dilemmas: how to live a good life.
What does a cultural resource manager do?
Cultural resource management (CRM) professionals investigate and preserve cultural sites , such as architecturally significant buildings, Native American burial sites, shipwrecks and historical districts.
